Yars Missile System, “Invincible Weapons” of Russia’s Nuclear Arsenal
Russia has begun military exercises with the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system, which is considered part of the country’s “invincible weapons” and the mainstay of their ground-based nuclear arsenal. The drills involve over 3,000 military personnel and about 300 pieces of equipment. Strategic missilemen will carry out measures to camouflage and counter modern aerial reconnaissance means in cooperation with formations and units of the Central Military District and the Aerospace Forces.
The Yars mobile systems are expected to conduct maneuvers in three Russian regions, but their specific location has not been identified by the Ministry of Defense. The Yars mobile intercontinental ballistic missile systems reportedly have an operational range of 12,000 km (7,500 miles) and are capable of carrying multiple independently targetable nuclear warheads.
Russia Practices Launching Yars Intercontinental Ballistic Missile System amid Ongoing War against Ukraine
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced a planned command and staff exercise with the Novosibirsk missile formation to practice maneuvering actions by autonomous launch PGRK Yars as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues. The exercises will take place across three regions in Siberia.
President Vladimir Putin recently announced plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, a Russian ally, since the Ukraine conflict began 13 months ago. Despite Western nations’ support for Ukraine – providing significant military assistance including long-range missiles, artillery, tanks, and drones – Putin believes Western support for Ukraine is “futile” and that they cannot sustain weapons provisions to the country.
As Russia continues military operations with Yars intercontinental ballistic missile systems during ongoing conflicts such as Ukraine, concern has risen about threats posed by this exercise. Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, stated that the US government has not seen any reason to adjust nuclear posture nor any indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon. Newsweek reached out to the foreign affairs ministries of Russia and Ukraine for comment.
Military Exercises with Tactical Nuclear Weapon System Impact International Relations
Moscow has launched major military exercises involving the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system, the backbone of Russia’s nuclear arsenal. Reports indicate that about 3,000 troops and 300 vehicles will be involved in the drills taking place in Siberia. The exercises also involve hiding the deployment from foreign satellites and other intelligence assets.
Russia’s defense chiefs released a video showing massive trucks carrying the missiles heading out on patrol. A top Russian diplomat, Sergei Ryabkov, said Moscow would no longer give the US advance notice of missile tests following last month’s suspension of Russia’s participation in the last remaining nuclear arms pact with Washington. The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) allowed both countries to limit each other’s nuclear arsenal.
Officials did not mention any practice launches during the exercise, but it is concerning considering that tactical nuclear weapons have a shorter range and lower yield than long-range strategic missiles fitted with nuclear warheads capable of obliterating cities.
The head of the UN nuclear watchdog recently visited the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station in southeastern Ukraine as part of efforts to avert the risk of an atomic accident. Moscow and Kyiv have repeatedly accused each other of shelling the site over the last year.
Since invading Ukraine in February last year, Russia has conducted numerous military exercises either alone or with other countries like China or South Africa. With these ongoing military exercises featuring tactical and strategic missiles, international relations are potentially being impacted by an increased threat of potential conflict.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
